Stretch marks may in some cases be prevented by using a good aromatic oil daily from early on in pregnancy. Here's a recipe to try: fill a dark glass bottle with 50ml wheatgerm oil, or a mixture of wheatgerm and almond oil for a thinner solution. Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil and 15 drops of the neroli essential oil. Massage daily after bathing.

How to prevent them

You can also try taking a daily supplement of vitamin E to help increase skin elasticity. Also apply pure vitamin E oil locally to prevent or reduce stretch marks. Continue using regularly until after the birth.

Homeopathy has also been known to help. Take Calc fluor 6X three times daily for a week starting in early pregnancy; continue taking on alternate weeks for the rest of your pregnancy. This remedy will help to increase the tissue elasticity of dry or delicate skins.